Marilyn Monroe was an American actress, model, and singer. Although she was a top-billed actress for only a decade, her films grossed $200 million by the time of her unexpected death in 1962 (equivalent to $2 billion in 2017). More than half a century later, she continues to be a major popular culture icon. May her quotes inspire you to take action so that you may live your dreams.
1. “It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.” Marilyn Monroe
2. “Be unique, be true, be honest, be humble, be happy.” Marilyn Monroe
3. “It’s far better to be unhappy alone than unhappy with someone – so far.” Marilyn Monroe
4. “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” Marilyn Monroe
5. “Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” Marilyn Monroe
6. “There isn’t anybody that looks like me.” Marilyn Monroe
7. “The way you carry yourself is influenced by the way you feel inside. You must feel attractive to be attractive.” Marilyn Monroe
8. “Fear is stupid, so are regrets.” Marilyn Monroe
9. “We should all start to live before we get too old.” Marilyn Monroe
10. “For those who are poor in happiness, each time is a first time; happiness never becomes a habit.” Marilyn Monroe
11. “Dreaming about being an actress, is more exciting than being one.” Marilyn Monroe
12. “A friend tells you what you want to hear; a best friend tells you the truth.” Marilyn Monroe
13. “Keep smiling because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.” Marilyn Monroe
14. “Always be yourself. Retain individuality; listen to the truest part of yourself.” Marilyn Monroe
15. “Fame doesn’t fulfill you. It warms you a bit, but that warmth is temporary.” Marilyn Monroe
16. “Everyone’s a star and deserves the right to twinkle.” Marilyn Monroe
17. “The real lover is the man who can thrill you by kissing your forehead or smiling into your eyes or just staring into space.” Marilyn Monroe
18. “Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” Marilyn Monroe
19. “No one ever told me I was pretty when I was a little girl. All little girls should be told they’re pretty, even if they aren’t.” Marilyn Monroe
20. “Always remember to smile and look up at what you got in life.” Marilyn Monroe
21. “You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself.” Marilyn Monroe
22. “This life is what you make it. No matter what, you’re going to mess up sometimes, it’s a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you’re going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends – they’ll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything – they’re your true best friends. Don’t let go of them.” Marilyn Monroe
23. “We are all stars but we must learn how to shine.” Marilyn Monroe
24. “It’s nice to be included in people’s fantasies but you also like to be accepted for your own sake.” Marilyn Monroe
25. “I don’t stop when I’m tired. I only stop when I’m done.” Marilyn Monroe
26. “I think there are two things in human beings – that they want to be alone, but they also want to be together.” Marilyn Monroe
27. “Success makes so many people hate you. I wish it wasn’t that way. It would be wonderful to enjoy success without seeing envy in the eyes of those around you.” Marilyn Monroe
28. “If you can make a girl laugh, you can make her do anything.” Marilyn Monroe
29. “The nicest thing for me is sleep, then at least I can dream.” Marilyn Monroe
30. “A strong man doesn’t have to be dominant toward a woman. He doesn’t match his strength against a woman weak with love for him. He matches it against the world.” Marilyn Monroe
31. “I live to succeed, not to please you or anyone else.” Marilyn Monroe
32. “Just because you fail once doesn’t mean you’re gonna fail at everything.” Marilyn Monroe
33. “I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they’re right.” Marilyn Monroe
34. “Be real, be yourself.” Marilyn Monroe
35. “Always, always, always believe in yourself. Because if you don’t then who will, sweetie? Marilyn Monroe
